Documentary Review: ‘APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home’ – Veterans and the never-ending wars they fight.

‘APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home‘ is an emotionally powerful and deeply personal documentary that sheds light on the untold struggles of Vietnam veterans returning home after the war The film was made by indie filmmakers Dave Merlino, a former law enforcement officer, and Dustin Sweet, a former computer animator, this film offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of veterans who were abandoned by the country they risked everything to serve.

When the film starts, it makes it clear that “nobody wins in war, everybody loses.” It is obvious that the intent is not to glorify combat but to show the emotional and psychological cost of returning home, only to be treated with hostility and disrespect. We get to see some veterans honoured to share their lives and stories as they recount their experiences. They also share the bitter reality of being spat on, ridiculed, and rejected by civilians who viewed them as criminals rather than heroes when they returned home. Their stories paint a vivid picture of what it meant to come home to a country that they put their lives on the line to fight for but didn’t seem to care much for them and what they might have to live with for the rest of their lives.

One particularly striking story for me involves a veteran who returned home as a highly experienced combat lieutenant but was denied the simple pleasures of buying a beer at an airport just because he wasn’t 21. This moment perfectly encapsulates the bizarre disconnect many veterans face. They are allowed to fight and die for their country overseas, but back home, they are treated like criminals and lesser citizens.

The lack of psychological support for these veterans is one of the film’s most poignant themes. For many of the veterans contributing their stories to ‘APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home’ seems like the only real therapy they had ever received decades after the war. The veterans speak candidly about the near-death experiences that haunt them, the triggers. Like fireworks or a car backfiring down the street, that brings back terrifying memories, and the survivor’s guilt they continue to carry. The courage of these men sharing their trauma is extraordinary, as they reveal the pitfalls, emotional mines, and dead ends that make it so difficult to lead a meaningful life post-war.

But the film doesn’t dwell solely on the negative. Some veterans share stories of the support they received from friends and family, though even that love and care was sometimes difficult for them to accept. Their struggle to find peace in a world that moved on without them is heartbreaking, yet their resilience shines through. We also hear from the spouses of some veterans, who offer their own perspectives on the challenges of living with someone who has been through such harrowing experiences. These women are very strong and it is great that this film shines some light on such women who have been very supportive to their veteran spouses.

The filmmakers, Dave and Dustin, are present throughout the documentary, often seen having casual conversations as they drive. Their dedication to telling these stories feels deeply personal, and it’s clear this is a project they needed to make, not just for the veterans, but for themselves.

The narrative steadily settles in and focuses on the ‘Apache Group‘ that was responsible for missions to save some soldiers in very hostile situations. The stories shared are gripping and very intense. I agree that it might even be triggering for some as well as they listen to these stories being told by vets who consider themselves to be more than lucky to have survived some of those fatal situations when others didn’t.

One of the veterans in the documentary states, “Trauma is not a disorder. To call it trauma is to call it damaged,” challenging our perceptions of psychological wounds. This film forces us to confront the real costs of war and the courage it takes to face life afterwards.

While the film isn’t perfect as it drags, and feels like so much of a chore to sit through, it is still a significant and necessary work. The filmmakers have created something deeply empathetic, a film that doesn’t just observe but contributes to the healing process for many families.

It is a very much-needed clarion call for us all to be understanding, respectful and appreciative of the struggles of all soldiers and their families. I will score this film 3.5 out of 5 stars.